The system-on-package component for converting millimeter waves operates at the highest frequency of any device of its type. Credit: 2013 A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics

The system-on-package component for converting millimeter waves operates at the highest frequency of any device of its type. Credit: 2013 A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics

Millimeter waves are a type of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 0.1 and 10 millimeters long. Because they are susceptible to absorption by water in the atmosphere, they travel short distances only. Despite this limitation, their short wavelength makes them a useful technology for small-distance applications. Examples include short-range, secure wireless communication and automotive-radar technology, which lets self-driving cars sense their environment.

Electronic components that can manipulate millimeter waves are vital for realizing this potential in commercial applications. Specifically, it is important to change the wavelength of such waves from, for example, one that is optimal for sending information across short distances to one that is more easily processed electronically.

Rui Li and co?workers at the A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics, Singapore, have designed and fabricated an electronic module that can convert a millimeter wave from one wavelength to another. The device, called a subharmonic passive mixer (see image), mixes an incoming millimeter wave that has a wavelength of 2.2 millimeters with a local source of 4.3-millimeter waves to generate a 1.1-millimeter signal. A signal of this wavelength means that the device operates at a frequency of 273 gigahertz; that is, 273 billion oscillations per second. Operation at such a high frequency allows a large number of potential transmission channels.

Importantly, the researchers' device is based on a technology called 'system-on-package', where the components are attached to a package. "It is the first time that [an on-package] converter has operated at such a high frequency," says Li. In contrast, conventional electronic devices, such as laptops and phones, are miniaturized by combining hundreds of electrical devices on a silicon chip. This approach becomes problematic when dealing with electronic components that operate at radiofrequencies. The low electrical resistivity of silicon results in an energy loss that degrades the overall system performance. The manufacturing cost is also high because the components occupy a large area.

The device developed by Li and her co-workers comprised three stacked thin films of metal, and the choice of material to separate these layers was crucial to it's efficient operation. The researchers used benzocyclobutene—a polymer that, unlike silicon, is known to have good electrical performance, even in the millimeter-wave region. Thorough electrical testing confirmed the high-performance of their design.

"We are currently in the process of designing and implementing numerous similar types of millimeter-wave passive components in various types of package," says Li. "We hope this will reduce the chip area as compared to 'on-chip'-based approaches."